Ask HN: Is it still worth building an AI tools directory in 2026?

I’m thinking about building an AI tools directory / navigation site, but I’m honestly unsure if it’s still worth doing at this stage. The space feels very crowded, and many large directories already have strong SEO, traffic, and brand recognition.

From your experience, do you think there is still real opportunity here for a solo founder? What kind of differentiation (niche, workflow, community, data, UX, etc.) would actually make such a site valuable today, rather than just another link list?

I’d really appreciate any candid thoughts — especially from people who’ve built directories, content platforms, or marketplaces before.